by Marie Temmen Common name: Clary Sage Latin binomial: Salvia sclarea Plant family: Labiatae History/folklore: Clary sage has an interesting history that reveals itself in the names which were applied to this plant. Medieval authors called the herb “clear eye” and considered it beneficial in healing visual problems. The name “clary” is derived from […]
leaves
Essential Oil Profile: Carrot Seed
by Jeffrey S. Hoard Common Name: Carrot Latin Binomial:Daucus carota Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Other Common Names: Queen Anne’s Lace, Wild Carrot, Bird’s Nest Part Used: Seed Production Method:The oil is steam distilled from the dried seed. Seeds may or may not be crushed before distillation. Countries of Origin: France, Egypt, Hungary, India, The Netherlands, […]
Essential Oil Profile: Aniseed
by Jeffrey S. Hoard Common Name: Anise, Anise Seed, Aniseed Latin Binomial: Pimpinella anisum Family: Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Other Common Names: Anisum officinalis, Anisum vulgare Part Used: Seeds, dried and crushed. Production Method: Steam distillation. Countries of Origin: Native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Southwest Asia. Poland and Russia are among the largest producers of Aniseed oil from locally […]
Strategies for Supporting the Immune System
by Ingrid Petres We encounter harmful germs and bacteria on a daily basis. It’s important, as the cold and flu season is upon us, to understand how we can boost our immune systems in order to prevent becoming sick. General lifestyle changes to help maintain a healthy immune system: Wash your hands frequently Buy a […]
Strategies for Respiratory Health During Cold and Flu Season
by Laurel Redmon, M.S., L.Ac. Dipl. Ac.,C.H Flu shots may afford many a sense of security this time of year. Those with a mind toward holistic and preventive health, however, can easily see that many more genuine and effective measures can be taken to protect ourselves, families and loved ones. Frankly, herbal remedies […]
Making Tea From Freshly Cut Herbs
by Maria Roderick Making tea from freshly cut herbs from your own yard is an easy and rewarding task. Some of the most commonly used herbs are Peppermint and Spearmint. Both of these herbs are extremely easy to grow and usually provide more than enough leaves for making tea many times throughout the year. […]
Herbal Support For Diabetes
by Cheryl Hoard There are quite a few herbs which support proper blood sugar levels as well as soothe other symptoms or related conditions of diabetes. Lapacho, also known as Pau D’Arco a famous rain forest herb, has reportedly been used successfully for diabetes. While not citing any research studies for […]
Catnip as Mosquito Repellent
by Jeffrey S. Hoard Herbal folklore has long included the use of aromatic herbs and oils as insect repellents. Most of us are familiar with the use of citronella oil (Cymbopogon nardus) in candles and in products designed to be used on the skin. Other aromatic herbs used for centuries for their insect repellent […]
Actions and Energetics of Some Common North American Trees
by Laurel Redmon, M.S., L.Ac. Dipl. Ac.,C.H Trees, Earth’s largest plants, embody the wood element. Humans and trees have co-evolved to a degree that our lives seem unfathomable without their wealth of resources. Symbolically, trees have represented longevity, wisdom, fertility, and a strength that can yield without breaking. These universal themes apply to the elemental […]
Neem Plant Spray
Ingredients: 32 oz warm water 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Neem Seed Oil (cold pressed vegetable oil, not essential oil) 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Cheryl’s Herbs All-Purpose Household Soap (or any mild eco-type, liquid dishwashing soap) Preparation: Mix soap with warm water (don’t stir too vigorously to avoid excess suds) Slowly add Neem Seed Oil and […]